Financial Acumen

For finance managers and senior executives, a set of more sophisticated budgeting and financial analysis tools can contribute to a more robust business planning process and improved corporate performance. This programme introduces a number of such tools, notably sensitivity analysis, break even and contribution analysis, balance scorecard management and variance analysis. Spreadsheet skills relevant to budgeting are also covered.

For successful business managers, budgeting sits at the heart of the strategic planning process and drives corporate and personal success.  This programme explores the link between strategic planning and budgeting. It also introduces delegates to a number of practical tools and techniques that allow budgetary and other management information to be put to good use to control costs effectively and optimise business performance. The programme is targeted at business managers who are budget holders and who have responsibility for cost management and control.

For many non-finance managers, the world of accounting and finance is a mystery. This programme lifts the smokescreen on confusing jargon, complicated processes and baffling forms in a way that participants will find engaging and helpful. They will learn how to make the best of budget spreadsheets, what financial information to get and how to use it and, crucially, how to make their organisation’s finance function work for them.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) play an increasingly important role in accounting worldwide. All listed groups within the European Union must apply them. Any UK company can choose to apply them. This programme explains in detail the key differences between UK GAAP and IFRS, helps delegates to make sense of IFRS financial statements and identifies key tasks that must be performed by a finance manager when his or her company transitions to IFRS.

Accounting rules will change beyond recognition for UK private companies in the next two years when they are required to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards for the first time. This programme explains in detail what the IFRS for SMEs means, what the resulting financial statements will look and what companies need to do as early as 1 January 2011 to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. The programme can be easily adapted to focus on issues relevant to specific companies and business sectors.

Ever more complex accounting rules mean that financial statements are increasingly difficult to make sense of – for analysts, investors and even for company directors themselves. This programme helps demystify financial statements and make them more accessible to the layman. The nature and purpose of primary statements and related notes will be explained; important principles and rules introduced; and a failsafe approach to analysing financial information developed. The programme can be easily adapted to focus on issues relevant to specific companies and business sectors.